Lila walks quietly through the north wing of the palace, her steps light against the polished floor. She’s not looking for anything in particular, just passing time before her next appointment, when a familiar voice reaches her ears. She pauses just outside one of the Queen’s private sitting rooms.
“I’m only saying that the Captain’s escape was unfortunate,” the Queen says, her voice low but audible through the door. “Of course, sometimes these things can’t be helped.”
Another voice replies, too muffled to make out. The Queen responds again, this time with more malice in her tone.
“I said it was taken care of. There’s no need for further questions.”
Lila frowns. Something about her mother’s voice doesn’t sound like someone worried about a security breach. She sounds almost pleased.
Li
